A state utility regulator is accusing Arizona Public Service of misleading the Arizona Corporation Commission to avoid further public scrutiny around the company’s online rate comparison tool.
APS is being investigated by the state Attorney General’s Office for possible consumer fraud.
Now Corporation Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson says APS told commissioners about the investigation before a public hearing last week, which focused on misleading information from the company’s rate comparison tool. But she says commissioners were also told the information was confidential and could not legally be addressed during the hearing.
Marquez Peterson is alleging APS deliberately misled the commission to avoid public embarrassment.
In a written statement, APS spokeswoman Jenna Rowell said the company is cooperating with the Attorney General’s Office. Rowell did not have a response to the commissioner’s accusations.
